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Loveland comes out to honor its veterans

The Loveland Veterans Day Parade brought the community together to thank veterans

By Michelle Vendegna

Reporter-Herald Staff Writer

Posted:
11/11/2017 04:28:24 PM MST

Army Veteran Robert Stubblefield salutes the crowd on the Veterans Day parade route along Garfield Avenue with his daughter Carie Audas on Saturday in Loveland. Stubblefield served in France and Germany between the Korean and Vietnam wars. (Lauren Cordova / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

F-16s flew over Loveland in blue skies Saturday as the crowd cheered to start the 2017 Loveland Veterans Day Parade.

"It's the largest crowd I've seen and more participants than I've seen," said John Epperson of Berthoud. He enlisted 51 years ago Friday in U.S. Air Force, serving from 1966 to 1970.

John watched from the sidewalk this year, but has walked the parade in years past.

"It's a nice tribute to a lot of folks," he said.

John was joined by his wife, Shirley Epperson.

"I'm proud of his service," Shirley said. It was the first time that she had been out to the parade.

"It brings back memories of other people in my family who have served," she said.

Phyllis Zimmerman looks on in excitement during the flyover marking the start of the Veterans Day parade, on Saturday in Loveland. Zimmerman's husband of 50 years, Ronald, served in the Coast Guard in California and Oregon before settling in Loveland. (Lauren Cordova / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

The annual parade is organized by the Associated Veterans Club of Loveland. It was one of many events Saturday that honored those who serve and have served in the armed forces.

"I think it makes us real proud to be veterans to see the community respects us so much," said Dale Falk, an Army veteran and a member of the Associated Veterans Club Honor Guard. He said, rain or shine, Loveland always comes out to support the veterans.

"We have had really bad weather some years, but people still come out," he said.

Joining the veterans in the parade were youth military organizations including the cadets from the Civil Air Patrol. The group of cadets come from all over Northern Colorado and can range in age from 12 to 21. They learn aerospace, leadership and character development in the program.

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"Many of them have goals to go into the Air Force or join other military service," said Thurston Hanley, deputy commander of cadets for the Civil Air Patrol.

"There is no better way to learn about service than to honor veterans," he said.

Alongside veterans and military groups were non-military groups like the Loveland High School Marching Band.

"We can be here to support the veterans and be here for our Loveland community of veterans," said band member Kyndall Ostreim, 15.

Dale Falk stands with his fellow Associated Veterans Honor Guard of Loveland as they salute during the National Anthem on Saturday at the Veterans Day ceremony at Dwayne Webster Veterans Park in Loveland. (Lauren Cordova / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

Both of Kyndall's parents, Tina and Bryan Ostreim, were chaperoning the band during the event

"I think they get to witness some good history and values for our country," said Bryan.

Along the route, veterans, families and friends waved and cheered as the parade went by.

"It's an awesome parade but we wanted (our kids) to know about the military and what they do for us," said Stephanie Rowlan of Loveland. Along with her husband, Nate, and their two young sons Oskar, 5, and Daingr, 2, the family watched.

"We have a lot of friends and family in the service," Nate said.

Louise Aragon of Loveland, brought two of her grandkids, Neveah Aragon, 12, and Ruben Aragon, 4, cousins from Greeley.

"We are here to honor the veterans today," Louise said. They were also there to celebrate family.

"My uncle served in the Navy for four years and my grandpa, who served for 5," Neveah said.

Louise said she always bring her grandkids to events like these in Loveland when they visit.

"I think it's awesome we have this. It brings people together I believe," she said.

Vietnam Veteran Claude McCormick waves to the crowd along the Veterans Day parade route on 13th Street from the back of a truck with a bell ringing behind him as they reach Dwayne Webster Veterans Park on Saturday in Loveland. McCormick served in the Air Force. (Lauren Cordova / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

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